Aleksandre Topuria will face undefeated Australian prospect Colby Thicknesse, a longtime training partner of Alexander Volkanovski, in his UFC debut at UFC 312 in Sydney, Australia, after Cody Haddon withdrew due to injury.
Aleksandre Topuria is carving his own path, but that last name? Unmissable. He’s the brother of UFC featherweight champ Ilia Topuria. At 29, he’s stepping into the spotlight at UFC 312, and guess what? He’s got a new opponent linked to Alexander Volkanovski.
UFC officials dropped some news on Wednesday. Cody Haddon’s out due to injury. Who’s stepping in? Undefeated Aussie prospect Colby Thicknesse, and he’s no stranger to Volkanovski.
Volkanovski plans to corner Thicknesse for his octagon debut. In Australia, no less! Facing off against Topuria.
“How good is this? Super stoked for Colby,” Volkanovski shared. “No one deserves it more than Colby Thicknesse. Hardest worker I know. Heart, discipline—he’s got it all.”
Thicknesse isn’t just a training partner; he’s been with Volkanovski since his teen years. Now, Volkanovski gets to guide him against Topuria on home turf.
Topuria enters the UFC boasting a 5-1 record. His last three wins? All knockouts.
This showdown between Topuria and Thicknesse stays on the UFC 312 prelims. Mark your calendar: Feb. 8 in Sydney, Australia.
That night’s main event? Middleweight champ Dricus du Plessis vs. Sean Strickland—a rematch! Plus, Zhang Weili defends her strawweight title against Tatiana Suarez in the co-main event.